Merlin 103 Ultralight Floatplane 1123

[@bradrobinhancock8491]

I have been truly interested in this "vehicle". As far as Part 103 offerings go, this is one of the best options, right up next to the Hummel Ultracruiser. I have been following Chip's videos and leaving questions for him - all have been ignored. Simple questions too, like is the nosewheel catering or steerable? Is there an equivalent of the POH available to download and review while making decisions? Where would I go to get service on a Polini, or buy parts?

[@kentwilliams3326]

That’s sad…

[@kentwilliams3326]

Now THAT would be great! An electric motor powered Merlin!!!

[@peteranderson037]

38 HP doesn't seem like much, but the early Taylor Cubs and Aeroncas did more with about the same power.

[@jamesonpace726]

Very cool....

[@felixaudet5860]

How does this plane qualify for ultralight weight, all aluminum *with floats.. That's simply amazing.

[@Sam-di7im]

The rules are a little weird about floats. AC 103-7 states that the weight of the floats doesn't count towards the total weight of the airplane.

[@Reloadeez]

Ballistic recovery systems give a net weight limit gain, non brs ultralight weight limit is 254 pounds, brs equipped ultralight weight limit is 278 pounds. Newer ultralight ballistic recovery systems weigh less than 11 pounds, leaving 267 pounds for the ultralight itself. Also 30 pounds per float may be excluded by the FAA without requiring substantiation of the float's actual weight. Which gives a max total weight with brs of 338 pounds.

[@swashfrogsailor]

I’ve long been fascinated by experimental flying boats, but they always seemed out of reach. I’ve been a rated paraglider pilot for about a decade, and now dipping my toe into ultralight seaplanes. THIS plane may tick all the boxes for me, aside from amphibious capability. 👍🏼

[@pilotmiami1]

Bravo. Perfect

[@DanFrederiksen]

See how much can be squeezed into part 103 :) Next will be a pressurized jet. Speaking of what's possible, I came across a glider called Gekon the other day, from an outfit out of poland. Full fledged modern glider with everything and it weighs 69kg. Shorten the wings for higher speed and add a light jet and it might still be 69kg. Whether part 103 or not, why doesn't that exist. Plenty of guys that need to get somewhere fast. Why drive a 3 ton bus for just one person. Why 5million dollars and 3000$ an hour when it could be close to cost free.

[@DanFrederiksen]

@Navy1977 Dan Johnson has given lectures about the state of mosaic and so far I don't believe it does. He advocates staying way clear or it will just die and that's probably true. Bureaucrats in a mode of changing something have a great tendency to live out their poor judgment. One small reasonable change inspires them to 'rethink' the whole thing and they are not good at it.

[@DanFrederiksen]

@Navy1977 yes to me it looks like 103 won't be changed. but much is up in the air :)

[@larrypeavy4517]

Be carful he will not refund your down payment

[@larrypeavy4517]

@Navy1977 yes ordered plane waited one year,had health problem,I asked for my 5000.00 refundable down payment .He said when l get more orders I will send you your money STILL waiting!!

[@robertwest2879]

biggest scam since Jim Bede

[@jbrow397]

@@robertwest2879that’s disappointing to hear. What’s going on?

[@tomcoryell]

Did you know that up front?

[@larrypeavy4517]

@@tomcoryell no